Risk factors for Late presentation of primary open angle glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness in the UK and affects approximately 2% of the population over the age of 40 years (Grant WM & Burke JF 1982). Late presentation to the hospital can occur due to a number of reasons including failure to seek optometric care or failure of screening process Studies that have been published on the risk factors of blindness from POAG and the risks of presenting late with POAG are often limited to a retrospective review of medical records. Factors investigated in this study will include socio-demographic factors such as age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and education. The study will also look at personal barriers including knowledge of the condition, attitudes to health care, cognitive ability, physical health, transport problems, attitude, administrative factors and ophthalmic history